Soggy spuds make for dismal lifting standstill
Soggy spuds make for dismal lifting standstill
By Andrew Blake
FOR many growers, this seasons potato harvest is becoming a disaster with 10% of the national crop close to a write-off.
The NFU is pressing the government for compensation and is disappointed that the BPC is unable to be more flexible on levy rebates for affected producers.
Plenty of farms have not lifted a single potato and now face a horrendous future, according to N Yorks-based NFU potato committee member Robert Tesseyman.
"I have 110 acres out of 126 still in the ground, but there are other growers around here with up to 300 acres who still have 100% to lift. They are really desperate."
The soil at Mr Tesseymans Spellow Grange, Staveley, Knaresborough is not particularly heavy.
"We have two fields where we might get 30-50% out, but that will only be 200-300t and I do not know whether they will be saleable. Overall I estimate it will cost us £130,000 in terms of lost crop."
In the absence of compensation Mr Tesseyman says he will not be able to grow potatoes this year. "We cant afford to plant. It is really serious."
In the Fens Michael Church, manager for 34 years at A G Wright & Sons Farms near Ely, Cambs, says he has never seen conditions as bad on the heavy organic clay unit.
He last harvested in late October and still has about a quarter of his 85ha (210-acre) crop, Estima for packing, in the ground.
"I am not hopeful of getting the rest. It will be April before it dries out enough and we have never successfully lifted in the spring."
NFU potato adviser Fiona Reilly says this years concerns are not confined to the north. "35% of the crop in Cheshire is still in the ground and quite a lot of growers in Essex and elsewhere in the south-east have big problems."
After unprecedented winter rainfall, most areas are suffering.
Potato wash-out
• 10% of crop likely to be lost.
• 100% still unlifted on some farms.
• Government compensation sought.
• BPC levy rebate policy under fire.
POTATO WASH-OUT
• 10% of crop likely to be lost.
• 100% still unlifted on some farms.
• Government compensation sought.
• BPC levy rebate policy under fire.